How Drake Maye Reacted To Not Being Named Patriots Starter

Drake Maye outplayed Jacoby Brissett in the preseason. That's not just our opinion -- Jerod Mayo said it himself after the Patriots' preseason finale.

However, Maye's overall performance in August wasn't enough to make him a starter in New England to open his rookie season.

Mayo on Thursday morning formally named Brissett as the Patriots' starting quarterback. Speaking with the media in the locker room after the announcement, Maye was asked if he was "disappointed" by his initial designation as the backup in Foxboro, Mass.

"I wouldn't say disappointed," Maye told reporters. "Look, I obviously want to play -- the competitive edge in me. But at the same time, I understand the situation. Jacoby's been in the offense -- the reps with the ones all camp. So I can't really say I'm disappointed. At the same time, I want to be playing."

Maye seemingly knows the decision was made in the best interest of his future. New England projects to be a bad football team this season, which could make September a particularly rough month when an underwhelming roster tries to find its footing with a new coaching staff. Mixing Maye into what very likely could be an early-season mess wouldn't be beneficial to the 21-year-old or the team.

The Patriots' current quarterback depth chart also is temporary. While Mayo on Thursday insisted the team is "100% behind" Brissett, Maye obviously is the future of the franchise and his immense talent and potential might force the coach's hands sooner rather than later.

As for Brissett, he will try to tighten the grip on his job starting Sept. 8 when New England kicks off its regular season in Cincinnati.